The UCI sanctioned 2.HC (hors category) 2013 Tour de Langkawi is stacking up to be a scorcher of a race and certainly one of the toughest in the event's 18 year history. Under ferocious tropical heat and humidity and with two sections of climbs, the Cameron Highlands and Genting, the race is set to more than justify the publicity tagline 'The Heat is On'.

At the launch in Putrajaya this week Malaysia's Minister of Youth and Sports YB Dato Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek revealed Le Tour de Langkawi 2013 will feature 10 gruelling stages, kicked off with a team presentation and a circuit race on the island of Langkawi on February 20 and finishing in Kuala Terengganu on March 2.

As well as some old faithfuls such as Dungun and Mentakab the race will visit new host venues such as Serdang, Sungai Siput and Kuala Kangsar.

Describing the tests facing the riders Dato Sri Ahmad Shabery said, "This edition of the race will feature three hors category climbs, two at Cameron Highlands and one up Genting Highlands. But before the Cameron Highlands climb which comes on Stage Three, the race heads into a tricky section on Stage Two from Serdang to Kuala Kangsar, which passes through Bukit Sumpitan, which is 800m above sea level and has a difficult gradient."

Terengganu continues with its role as venue sponsors, with the final four stages running through the state. The state has double reason to celebrate with the Terengganu Cycling Team currently leading the overall standings of the UCI Asia Tour.

22 teams have confirmed their participation in the race. These include UCI Pro Teams Astana and Garmin-Sharp. 2012 record-setting stage winner Andrea Guardini of Italy, who also won the points classification last year, is expected to return with the Astana Pro Team of Kazakhstan after agreeing to sign for them from the Farnese Vini team last month.

"Guardini also provided a healthy impact for the race last year. His success raised the interest of the Italian media about the race and last year we received increased coverage of the race in Italy because of that," said Dato Sri Ahmad Shabery.

The race, which is a major part of the UCI Asia Tour calendar, is in its third year of being organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, via the National Sports Council (NSC) in association with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF). The level of organisation has impressed the UCI who awarded the race a third consecutive "excellent level of organisation" certificate.